Every match is important, but due to a twist of fate, this is a massive weekend for our 1st XV. The top 4 sides (Chingford, Brentwood, Colchester and Amersham & Chiltern) will face each other as we approach the mid point of the season. Without question, Chingford have established a reasonable, but not unassailable lead at the top of the table, and this leaves another four sides jockeying for position. The difference is little more than a bonus point win - everything is up for grabs. On Saturday the league leaders Chingford travel to Brentwood and recent results indicate that the home side are in good form and could pose a serious threat to Chingford and their 100% record.

In every game this season, two factors are having a significant impact on the outcome. Firstly, the game needs a strong and calm referee who is capable of exercising common sense. From my observations most sides test the referee to their absolute limits, and due to the revised laws of the game, the way in which teams handle the tackle, the breakdown and general safety in contact often has a significant bearing on the outcome. The tackle is an area of some inconsistency. Whilst I appreciate that the game is getting faster and everyone can make a mistake, there are significant variations in interpretation of what constitutes 'safe contact' and players need to quickly assess a referee and their expectations and adhere to them. Conceding penalties anywhere on the pitch can be costly, but conceding penalties in the "red zone" simply enables teams to exert additional pressure and keep the scoreboard ticking over three points at a time! The second factor appears to be availability at Level 6. It is interesting to note the fluctuation in results. One week for example, we were able to put sixty points and eight tries on Fullerians RFC, yet seven days later they recorded a victory over Amersham & Chiltern who, at the time, were 2nd place in the league! I had an opportunity to talk to the Fullerians Head Coach last week and he explained that injury and availability has a massive impact on their performance and this is generally true of every team in our league other than those clubs who have made a decision invest financially in their playing staff.

Due to availability issues there are some enforced changes to our 18 man squad. There are two changes to our front row. Joe Reid comes in for James Mitchell and Charlie Thorogood makes a welcome return at hooker. Charlie was a key member of the team during our spell in National League 3 and he adds aggression, mobility and physicality to the front row. Captain Liam Pickett is raring to go and comes back into the second row alongside Eli Castle. Joe Colcomb retains his place in the match day squad and will start on the bench. Rugby is a squad a game and in every single game this season the replacements have played a crucial role. Joe has made a magnificent start to the season; he came into the squad as a debutant and has been one of our most consistent and reliable performers. Joe's game has progressed significantly, his close quarter contact work is excellent and his interventions have often turned over possession and presented space and openings for our impact players. The bench will play an important role in this week; it is a crucial game and the 18 man squad will need to be relentless for the full 80 minutes to secure the result we need.

With Joe Beckett nursing a broken hand, Rob Pickard comes into the starting line up at blindside flanker. Rob is the sort of player you love to have on your team and hate to play against! He adds energy and tenacity to the back row and he can also cover a number of forward positions - a great quality in this league where teams are limited to just three replacements. Dan Whiteman and Ollie Pickett make up the remainder of the back row; they will be looking to replicate the form they have shown in recent games against Letchworth and Fullerians where their power, stamina and drive caused their opponents defences a real headache!

There is a significant inclusion in the back line; James Parry comes into the starting line up (wing) to make his 1st XV debut. James, the younger brother of former 1st XV scrum half Ed Parry, has been playing regularly for the Ravens. He has a superb all-round game, but his defence in particular is outstanding. James very much deserves this opportunity; he has put in some excellent performances against high quality opposition in the Zoo League and he is more than ready to step up to the challenge. We have a strong squad taking to the pitch with forwards who can win ball and backs who can certainly apply the finishing touches. This is a pivotal moment in the season and judging from the mood at training tonight, the boys look like they are ready to fulfil their considerable potential.